Office of Arts & Culture news and events

Mayor Mike McGinn today announced the recipients of the 2013 Mayor’s Arts Awards. The honorees include two individuals and four organizations, and represent categories ranging from promoting arts as a means of social change to artistic excellence.

The recipients will be honored at the Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony, at 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30 at Seattle Center on the North Fountain Lawn, outdoors and open to the public. Presented in partnership with Bumbershoot, the awards ceremony is part of the official opening of Bumbershoot 2013 and a day of free activities that includes a public preview of the festival’s visual arts exhibits beginning at 3 p.m. in the Seattle Center Pavilion and the Fisher Pavilion. After the awards ceremony, the School of Rock will give a free performance at 5:30 p.m. on the same North Fountain Lawn stage, and a preview of the festival’s film offerings begins at 7 p.m. at the SIFF Film Center.

The Seattle Arts Commission recommended the recipients from a pool of more than 600 public nominations, which was a new record. The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognize the contributions of artists, arts and cultural organizations and community members who make Seattle a city of creativity. The awards are presented in partnership with media sponsor City Arts and event sponsors The Boeing Company and Chihuly Garden and Glass.